23 minute read
FINAL NOTES We bid farewell to Richie Albright, Hugh
Richie Albright
July 10, 1939 — Feb. 9, 2021
Legendary drummer Richie Albright, 81, died Feb. 9, 2021. He played with Waylon Jennings for over 30 went against the tide when it came to how records were made. Initially the label refused to allow him to use his band on recordings, years, and the artist called him his “right so in 1972 he renegotiated his contract, and arm.” The two met in 1964 in Phoenix, Ari- brought the Waymores into the studio. Alzona and worked to- bright would go on to gether until Jennings’ “He was one of the play on 1973’s Lonedeath. But Albright’s career stretched far most unique drummers some On’ry and Mean, 1976’s Are You Ready and wide, and he I’ve worked with. He for the Country, and leaves a big legacy as a part of the Outlaw understood what made a the 1973 collection of Billy Joe Shaver movement that made record work. He was not songs Honky Tonk an indelible impression across multiple only a great drummer but Heroes. Albright’s driving four-on-the-floor genres of music. He a great producer." drumming style was was a life member of the Nashville Musi- — Jerry Bridges considered integral to the Outlaw sound. “I cians Association who was very influenced by joined the local Dec. 20, 1974. Levon Helm during The Band era back then
Albright was born in Oklahoma July 10, and that's where that really all comes from, 1939, to the late Charles and Margie Albright, that feel,” Albright said in a 2007 interview. and raised in Bagdad, Arizona. He took up Over the course of Jennings’ career, the playing drums early in his life. His first kit was band became known as the Waymore Blues a 1926 Leedy, and he taught himself to play band, and expanded to an 11-piece that inby listening to Cozy Cole and Gene Krupa. His cluded horns. “He told me…’This is the band first paid gig, he has said, was a high school I always wanted right here with the horns.’ He prom in 1956. After he met Jennings in the really liked horns and Jim Horn wrote all the club scene in Phoenix, he founded the art- charts… God it was fun. That's something ist’s first band — The Waylors, later known that I as a drummer, I think any drummer as the Waymores — initially a four-piece of would want to play with a horn section somebass, drums, rhythm and lead guitar. By 1966 times 'cause it just adds so much punch to
Jennings had signed to RCA Records, and Al- the music,” Albright said. bright moved to Nashville with the band. By 1978 Albright was coproducing with
An “Outlaw” from the start, Jennings Jennings on I’ve Always Been Crazy, 1979’s What Goes Around Comes Around, and Music Man in 1980. He coproduced the 1980 Jennings hit “The Theme From the Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol’ Boys),” and was the music supervisor for the first year of the show’s run. He also had production credits on the 1990 album The Eagle.
Albright cowrote the 1983 Jennings/Williams hit “The Conversation,” and played on a multitude of records for other artists. The list includes Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Jr., Willie Nelson, Tony Joe White, Jessi Coulter, Johnny Rodriguez, and Billy Joe Shaver — who he also produced.
The Waymore Blues band played with Jennings until his death in 2002. In 2008 the band reformed as Waymore’s Outlaws, and went back on the road with Tommy Townsend as lead vocalist. The band also occasionally performed with Jennings' son, Waylon Albright “Shooter” Jennings.
Bassist Jerry Bridges played with Albright for over four decades.
“I met Richie in 1978 when I moved here from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. I was a member of the Fame Gang. Richie and Waylon asked me to play bass on a session. I knew at that moment that I wanted to belong with the Waylors. Richie treated me with utmost respect for the next 43 years. He was one of the most unique drummers I’ve worked with. He understood what made a record work. He was not only a great drummer but a great producer. We never had a disagreement and he was always there for everyone. I’ll always miss him. The music, the road, the smile and most of all, the friendship,” Bridges said.
Albright sat in on congas with the band Goose Creek Symphony on many occasions. “Richie was my oldest friend; we were like brothers, since the Phoenix days,” said Charlie Gearheart, founder of Goose Creek Symphony. I was devastated when I found out he was gone,” Gearheart said.
Guitarist Dan McGlamery recalled the first time he met Albright.
“The first thing he ever said to me was when he approached me at a Goose Creek gig. It was only my second or third gig with the band and he walked up to me and said ‘If you’re playing with these guys, you’re doing all right, but remember you’re not at a jazz gig, the tone has to be right for this.’ And he walked away. I took it as a
Hubert Bradley Lewis (Hugh X. Lewis)
Dec. 25, 1930 — Dec. 29, 2020
Songwriter, poet, actor, radio personality and artist Hubert Bradley Lewis (Hugh X. Lewis), 90, died Dec. 29, 2020. He was a multi-instrumentalist and life member of the Nashville Musicians Association who joined the local Sept. 24, 1964.
Lewis was born in Yeaddiss, Kentucky, Dec. 25, 1930, the son of a Church of Christ minister. He grew up in southeast Kentucky in Cumberland where he picked up the guitar early on. As a teen he began to play and write music. His first jobs were in the coal mines, and he spent 10 years working in U.S. Steel’s Lynch, Kentucky mines. After every work week he would spend weekends traveling to shows, including performances on area radio and television programs. A win on a talent show at WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio, led to opportunities at the famous Renfro Valley Barn Dance, and a Pet Milk contest got him on the air in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Lewis’ diligent work paid off when a song he wrote, “B.J. the D.J.” was signed compliment, I got a different amp and really listened to what the guitar was doing in the band. The next time that I saw him I asked him, ‘Does my tone fit better?’ he said "Yes, it does son." That’s probably the best advice I’ve gotten in my career,” McGlamery said.
In 2019, Albright was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Nashville Cats series, which honors iconic Nashville musicians. Albright’s drum kit is
by Jim Denny, founder of Cedarwood Music. The song was recorded by Stonewall Jackson, who had a hit with it in 1963. The first song’s success prompted Lewis to take the plunge and move to Nashville. After a couple of months settling in, he brought his wife Ann and their children to their new home. Lewis won BMI Awards for “B.J. the D.J.” and “Take My Ring Off Your Finger,” recorded by Carl Smith. Jackson would go on to record 11 songs by Lewis, who also wrote songs for Charley Pride, Del Reeves, Jim Ed Brown, Little Jimmy Dickens, Jimmy C. Newman, Bobby Goldsboro, Lynn Anderson and others. In 1965 Lewis landed a recording contract with Kapp Records, and his first single, “What I Need Most is You,” went to No. 12 on the charts. He would go on to have 15 charting singles, and release five major label albums. In 1966, Paul Cohen, president of CMA, placed the names of Hugh X. Lewis, Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, and Red Foley in the original Walkway of the Stars on the sidewalks of Music Row. These names were later moved inside to the floors of the main reception area in the original Country Music Hall of Fame.
By 1968 Lewis had expanded his career into television, coproducing a syndicated show called The Hugh X. Lewis Country Club with his lifelong friend Bud Beal. The show was the first featuring country music to be sponsored by a major manufacturer — Whirlpool Corporation. The Four Guys were regular performers, along with the hitmaking artists of the day. Lewis opened a Printers Alley music venue in 1972, and show episodes began to be filmed there.
In the late ‘60s Lewis worked frequently with Del Reeves, and appeared in three movies: Gold Guitar, Cotton Pickin' Chicken Pickers, and Forty Acre Feud. Lewis toured around the world until his retirement in 1984. He currently on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, as part of the museum’s exhibit Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ‘70s.
In addition to his parents, Albright was preceded in death by one brother, Charles. Survivors include his wife, Linda; two sons, Brian and Trey Albright; one daughter, Richel; and one brother, Jerry.
returned in 1998 with a persona he called “Country Ham, Colonel Hugh X. Lewis.” He also began to write more in the gospel genre, started his own Christian music label called Kingdom Come, and went on to release several new albums and videos, including a gospel album titled, Stand Up and Be Counted. In addition to many television appearances, he also had a feature role in the 2005 movie Summer of Courage. Lewis talked about his musical career in an interview. “I grew up in the country and I know country people. I haven't been able to determine for sure just what makes them tick or what makes them go out and buy a country record. But I figure I know these people better than I do pop people. That was one of the main reasons why I got in country music…In country music, they tell it like it is, it's quiet, earthy and they get down to the nitty gritty in country music," Lewis said.
Lewis was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2011. The Hall of Fame now displays much of his career memorabilia on display at its Renfro Valley, Kentucky, location.
In addition to his musical career, Lewis became a prolific poet. He appeared daily for 11 years on the Gospel Radio Network, reciting his poems. Lewis was designated Poet Laureate of Christian Country Music in 2006 by the Tennessee State Senate and House of Representatives. Local 257 has also been the lucky beneficiary of Lewis’ poetry — he graciously volunteered to write poems for the passing of life members Mac Wiseman and Little Jimmy Dickens, which appeared in print in earlier issues of this magazine.
Lewis was named a Kentucky Colonel in 2007 and received the Kentucky Governors Lifetime Achievement award. He was also a member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of
Fame and received the Louisiana Governors Aide De Camp Award. Since 2017 he has hosted a weekly gospel radio show called The Christian Country Story Show on WSGS and WKIC in Hazard, Kentucky.
Lewis was preceded in death by his mother, Deliah Rice; and two sons, Lance and Monty Lewis. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Anna Mae Lewis; one daughter, Saundra Taylor; two grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. A celebration of life service was held at the Cornerstone Church in Nashville on Feb. 20.
A Poem for Hugh
He was born in Yeaddiss on Christmas in the Kentucky hills And Like many others he worked in the coal mine He took that hard work on to pay all the bills So he could play weekends when there was time
Sometimes he hitchhiked or found a ride To a radio program or outside show It was what gave him a feeling of pride Music kept him going when the world brought him low
He began to hear songs that he quickly wrote down And a whole new world began to be born He shared them with others and soon he found Treasure in that notebook, tattered and worn
His name was written in the first Hall of Fame Records, writing and movies were only the start It was clear Hugh X Lewis was a memorable name Television followed and that’s just one part
He kept on creating and the “Colonel” was born Radio was one of his favorite places Recitation of poems, every morn Always brought smile that would light up the faces
Hugh X Lewis loved gospel and country of old He followed his dreams wherever they led We could all learn from the stories he told Work hard, cherish music, and keep your soul fed Nashville Musicians Association life member Donald L. Teague, 85, died Dec. 30, 2020. He was a guitarist who joined Local 257 July 19, 1974.
He was born June 25, 1935 in Jellico, Tennessee, to Marshall and Odie Mae Siler Teague. After service in the United States Air Force, he worked as a carpenter. In addition to playing guitar, he was a singer, and known for his love of the Tennessee Volunteers. Family and friends remembered him as a friendly, outgoing person who enjoyed telling corny jokes.
Teague was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 29 years, M. Irene Teague; two brothers, Charles and Kenneth Teague, and two sisters, Polly Teague and Eva Lee Douglas. Survivors include his daughter, Donna Donald L. Teague Milnar; his brother, James Teague; and one grandson.
Graveside services were held Jan. 2 at Triune Cemetery with Brother Jamie Pratt officiating. The family requests any memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105-9959.
Doug Moffet
Aug. 15, 1960 — Jan. 27, 2021
Saxophonist and woodwind player Doug Moffet, 60, died Jan. 27, 2021. His memorable career spanned an incredible variety of genres, from being part of the Muscle Shoals Horns, to multiple tours with Larry Carlton and Vince Gill, to recording sessions with everyone from Paul McCartney and Tony Bennett to Boots Randolph and Willie Nelson. He was also a Doug Moffet regular on the bandstand with the Nashville Jazz Orchestra and other local jazz groups. He joined Local 257 July 21, 1983.
He was born Aug. 15, 1960 to Hugh L. and Anna M. Moffet in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His father was a doctor and his mother a registered nurse. But it was also a musical family — his father played violin and his two sisters played violin and flute. While his father taught at Northwestern, Moffett went to school in Evanston and Milmette, Illinois and started playing sax in the fourth grade.
The family moved to Madison, Wisconsin when Moffet was in middle school. He graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy and then attended University of Miami, where he earned a B.A. in studio jazz/performance. He listed his major musical influences as John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, and Joe Henderson. Moffet lived in Miami until 1983, when he decided to move to Nashville after bassist Tim Smith, who was also at U.M. at the time, brought him up for some session work, which blossomed into a myriad of recording and live performance work.
Composer-arranger Chris McDonald worked with Moffet regularly over the years.
“Doug Moffet has been my friend and co-worker since around 1984. While he was a consummate professional and the very epitome of what a sideman should be, when he stood for a solo, Doug was an artist. You could tell in just a few notes, with that singular tone, and other-worldly harmonic vocabulary, that Doug was speaking. I loved Doug Moffet, and his loss leaves an aching hole in the heart and soul of our community,” McDonald said.
"While he was As part of Larry Carlton’s Sapphire a consummate professional and the Blues Horns, Moffet toured across the world, as well as at domestic venues like the Crossroads Festival, which he played very epitome of what a sideman should be, when in multiple years with both Carlton and Gill. He appeared on numerous television and video performances such as the Tohe stood for a solo, Doug was an artist." day Show and Soundstage. He worked on multiple movie soundtracks including The Mavericks with LeAnn Rimes and Veggie — Chris McDonald Tales with Ben Folds. Over his career Moffet recorded with an enormous list of artists that included Buddy Guy, Jo-El Sonnier, Amy Grant, Michael McDonald, Lady A, Faith Hill, Dan + Shay, Sheryl Crow, Dan Penn, Edwin McCain, Keith Urban, Bad Company, Luther Barnes, and a host of others. A sampling of his live performances include work with Aretha Franklin, Randy Newman and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Ray Charles, Liza Minelli, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Randy Brecker with the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, Charlie Daniels, Wilson Pickett, Sam Moore, Brenda Lee, and many others. He also performed with the Muscle Shoals All Star Band at Lincoln Center, in New York City, and at the Poretto Festival in Poretto, Italy. He also worked regularly with the Memphis Horns, led by Wayne Jackson.
Saxophonist and woodwind player Denis Solee talked about Moffet’s unique style.
“Musically, Doug could be very hip, but also somewhat of a chameleonable to fit into a wide variety of musical styles and situations. He is greatly missed,” Solee said.
Moffet was in the process of perfecting a new ligature design he invented, and was anticipating a new career in woodwind accessories at the time of his passing. His pastimes included astronomy and Predators hockey. He was also a staunch liberal, and known for bringing a fiery yet often humorous voice to his forthright social media posts on politics.
Moffet was preceded in death by his parents; and his stepmother, Donna M. Moffet. Survivors include his wife of more than 30 years, Mary E. Moffet; one son, Keith R. Moffet, and two sisters, Cynthia Moffet, M.D., and Sandy Moffet.
Memorial donations may be made in Moffet’s name to the Nashville Jazz Workshop. A memorial concert is planned for later in 2021, after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.
Trombonist Alan Raymond Javorcky, 81, died Dec. 31, 2020. He was a life member who joined Local 257 June 11, 1984. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 7, 1939 to the late Raymond and Helen McSpadden Javorcky. He came from a musical family; his father was also a trombonist. Javorcky started playing trombone in the second grade and joined his first dance orchestra in the ninth grade. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1957 and in 1960 married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Kluck. Javorcky attended Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in Berea, Ohio, and worked with the Buddy Morrow Orchestra 1959-60 and was lead trombonist for the Hermit Club Band from 1962Michael Douchette 83. He also played as lead trombonist for the Harry Hershey Band on WBBG from 1980-84, and from 1984-2001 he was lead trombonist for the Beau Tharp Band, as well as the Rory Partin Band from 2001-20. Additionally, he was the choir director for Parkwood United Church of Christ from 1968-1981, and a member of the stadium band for the Cleveland Browns from 1976-80.
In addition to his playing career, Javorcky worked for Standard Oil in the early ‘60s, and then for National Screw from 1963-73, and Lake Erie Screw from 19731999. He was known for his quick wit, and his devotion to the Cleveland Indians. He was an avid supporter of the International Trombone Association.
Trombonist Bill Huber talked about Javorcky’s knowledge of music, and how he shared it with others.
“For me what stands out about Al is — as a friend of mine put it: ‘He seems to have an encyclopedic knowledge of every trombonist over the age of 18 east of the Mississippi, and over the age of 21 west of the Mississippi.’ The basis of this is Al’s love of music and of playing the trombone. This in turn led to his appreciation of and generosity towards the musicians who play trombone — whether it be endowing a scholarship at his alma mater, or giving someone a CD, or quietly picking up a bar tab for a whole table after a concert. If Al wasn’t performing, he was listening. Music was Al’s way of meeting and relating to people everywhere, and one of the keys that unlocked new experiences, places, and people for him,” Huber said.
Another fellow trombonist and section mate Greg Cox, talked about Javorcky’s style.
“Al was a real player's player who honed his chops in the Rat Pack era among legendary musicians and was a world class lead trombonist who swung hard and put things where they grooved with reckless abandon. Every chance to sit beside Al in a section was a lesson in ‘this is how you do it,’” Cox said.
Javorcky was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Joanne. Survivors include three daughers, Cynthia G. Javorcky, Laura K. Brooks, and Rachel L. Garrett; one brother, Ronald F. Javorcky; and three grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Helen M. and Raymond F. Javorcky Trombone Scholarship Fund, Baldwin Wallace University Center for Philanthropy, 275 Eastland Road, Berea, Ohio, 44017.
Tony Farr
Oct. 13, 1937 – Jan. 6, 2021
Nashville Musicians Association life member Tony Farr, 83, died Jan. 6, 2021. He was a steel guitarist and singer who joined Local 257 Oct. 13, 1970.
The New Orleans, Louisiana native was born Anthony Joseph Fardella, III, Oct. 13, 1937. He attended Warren Easton Fundamental Senior High School, and got his first paying gig at the age of 15. He was a member of The Swinging Guitars in the mid ‘50s, and then bandleader of Tony Farr & His Singing Guitars. Farr appeared on some recordings during those early days, including the singles “There’s No Sense Marrying Me,” in 1957 and “What’s the Use,” in 1958 on Enterprise Records. In his 20s Farr moved to Dallas, Texas, where he performed on the Big D Jamboree and toured with area artists including George Kent, a longtime friend. He went on to live and work for several years in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Wisconsin, playing at clubs and festivals. His main gig was at the Flame Café, where he backed up artists like Bob Luman, Red Sovine, Rex Allen, Sr., and many others.
He released his first solo album in 1969, Pop and Country Steel Guitar, Featuring Tony Farr and His Swingin’ Steel Guitar, on Jar Records. After he relocated to Nashville in the early ‘70s he released four more albums, Tony Farr Plays the “Farr” Out of It, Warm and Easy, Tony’s Touch, Country Gospel Steel Guitar, and Just Being Friends, all on Fairview Records.
Farr has toured with Jeannie C. Riley, Tommy Overstreet, Claude Gray, Jerry Wallace, and others. He also worked studio sessions, and performed regionally at live venues and for private parties. He was known for his generous nature, and for helping others in his family advance their musical careers.
Survivors include his wife, Mary. There were no public funeral services.
IN MEMORIAM
The officers, staff and members of Local 257 extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of our members who have recently passed away. You are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.
Name
Richard Dale Albright
Earl J T Gray
William Curtis McPeake
Douglas D Moffet
David Clark Neal Born Joined Died
07/10/1939 12/20/1974 02/09/2021
03/07/1946 07/11/1972 03/20/2021
10/09/1927 05/05/1959 02/20/2021
08/15/1960 07/21/1983 01/27/2021
05/11/1962 03/15/2005 03/10/2021 Life Member
Y
Y
Jeff Lisenby
May 24, 1955 – Jan. 6, 2021
Accordionist and keyboard player Jeff Lisenby, 65, died Jan. 6, 2021. He was not only the holder of multiple awards for his accordion playing, but also a longtime professor, musical director, composer, arranger, frequent live performer, and veteran of many tours and recording sessions. He joined Local 257 Feb. 6, 1987.
He was born May 24, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri to George and Doris Wells Lisenby. He began accordion lessons at the age of five, and at 16 won five trophies at the American Accordionist Association competition held in Detroit, Michigan. Lisenby went to Raytown South High School, where he played in school bands, and was student director of the jazz band. After graduation he attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he was a member of the UMKC Accordion Orchestra, and received two degrees in music. Lisenby won the Accordionist & Teachers Guild (ATG) championship in 1974 and 1977, and was also the U.S. representative for the international competitions in Stockholm, Sweden, and the Netherlands — where he won a bronze medal each year.
After his move to Nashville, Lisenby was an adjunct professor at Belmont School of Music, and recently had become a faculty
member at Lipscomb University School of Music. He was also a conductor and keyboardist for Broadway shows at Opryland, and the musical director for the long-running Broadway show Ring of Fire, which opened in New York City in 2005 and played in cities throughout the U.S. He was also an arranger and keyboardist for the show, which highlighted the career of Johnny Cash. Over the course of his career Lisenby worked with a host of acts including Lee Greenwood, Trisha Yearwood, Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, Mel Tormé, Three Dog Night, David Cassidy, The Mills Brothers, Boots Randolph, Brenda Lee, and Luciana Pavarotti. He played at a wide variety of venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Ryman Auditorium. The well-seasoned performer also worked as a trainer who prepared other performers for cruise ships. He frequently played locally with a variety of bands including John England and the Western Swingers, and played on the group’s Songs Older Than Pappy album. He also played in an accordion trio called Toby’s House with Mike Zikovich and Jeff Taylor. Walt Hartman, Andy Reiss and Byron House made up the band’s rhythm section.
Jeff Taylor talked about his long friendship with Lisenby. “Jeff Lisenby was probably my longest, closest friend in the 30 years I have lived in Nashville. In the early ‘90s he gave me so much piano/keyboard work that he needed a sub for. In 1992, he talked me into buying an accordion again — I grew up playing it — and that was a game changer in my personal career. At one point, we joked about making joint business cards that said ‘Call a Jeff.’ Jeff was a prayer partner, band mate, advisor to me and one of the best friends I could ever ask for. Together we started the Nashville Accordion Society this past year which has been a great success in promoting the instrument we both loved. Jeff was never competitive, always ‘fraternal.’ I miss him every day. I know where he is, and I’ll see him again,” Taylor said.
Lisenby played on the Grammy-winning 2005 album Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Mister Rogers, and in 2013 released his own holiday album — Walkin’ the Winter Wonderland.
In September 2014 he was inducted into the Raytown C-2 Alumni Hall of Fame.
Guitarist Andy Reiss commented on Lisenby’s passing.
“…we lost one of the best musicians and best men I have ever encountered... Rest well, Jeff Lisenby,” Reiss said.
Survivors include his wife, Pam; one daughter, Jaclyn Brown; one son, Jonathan Lisenby; his mother; one sister, Jenny Lockington; two grandchildren; one niece and three nephews. A memorial service was held at Lipscomb University Jan. 21, and an in-person jam session is planned for the future. A music memorial scholarship has been established at Lipscomb University in Lisenby’s name; contributions to the fund may be made at webcomm@Lipscomb.edu. TNM
